Ronald Mendell is a faculty member at Western Governors University and has taught information security for five years. He earned a master’s degree in Network Security in 2005 from Capitol College. Mendell holds a CISSP designation in Information Security and is a member of the Human Threat Management Council of ASIS International. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1978.
Joseph Baker, BS in Liberal Arts, 2016
Joseph Baker is a retired first sergeant of the U.S. Army who “proudly served our country for 23 years.” Baker is a fiction author and recently released his book, “Bootleg Boxing: The Murder of Eddie ‘The Hammer‘ Hammond.” He also spends time fundraising for veterans organizations. Baker earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2016.
Gregory Fant, BS in Liberal Arts, 1990
Gregory Fant graduated from Excelsior College (then Regents) with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1990. He has since earned a professional certification in data science (CIMP-Data Science) in February 2021 and a PhD in health sciences from Poornima University in India in March 2021. He is a public health epidemiologist in the federal government with 25 years of service. He shares, “I have had a good professional and public service career. …“I could not have done any of it without completing my undergraduate degree. Thanks.”
Alumni Newsletter – August 2022
On August 1, 2022, we officially became Excelsior University!
Our new logo is inspired by the reach and aspirations of our students and the educational home they have at Excelsior. Supported by sturdy columns, an aspirational arrow forms a roof and two open doors providing a welcoming educational home for students to grow their life stories. Join President Schejbal in embracing our commitment to students and alumni as we celebrate Excelsior’s evolution!
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Alumni Success: Meet Jeremy Walkley
The choices Jeremy Walkley, of Schodack, New York, has made have impacted his career as a military servicemember, his current job as division chief of the Logistics Management Division at Watervliet Arsenal, his role in the National Guard, and his very life.
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Organizational Success: Excelsior’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and ELEVATE: The Campaign for Student Scholarships
Excelsior’s 50th anniversary celebration and ELEVATE: The Campaign for Student Scholarships were an unprecedented success. With record support from Excelsior alumni, trustees, staff, and friends, we have exceeded our increased $1.5 million goal.
We are proud of Excelsior’s rich history and community of strength. Together, we will continue to advance our mission and expand our reach to more Excelsior students than ever before.
Excelsior University Spotlight: Moving Forward as Excelsior University
Now known as Excelsior University, Excelsior aims to help even more adult students benefit from career-solving, industry-validated learning. Watch our new commercial!
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Give Back: Class of 2022 Sets a Giving Record
The Pay It Forward campaign for the Class of 2022 closed on July 31, 2022. With your help, we were able to raise $8,340, setting a giving record for a graduating class. Participation in this campaign is a wonderful way for new graduates to pay it forward by helping to ensure that future students can achieve the goal that you are celebrating now. Your dedication to Excelsior, and your support of future students, makes us all #ExcelsiorProud.
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Get Involved: Become an Excelsior University Alumni Ambassador
Becoming an alumni ambassador is a meaningful way to support new alumni and make new connections. By sharing your expertise, knowledge, and experience with fellow Excelsior graduates, you are growing your network and giving back to Excelsior.
Hear about Becoming an Ambassador from Timothy Leaks ’18, ’22.
Apply to become an Alumni Ambassador
#ExcelsiorProud: Show Your Excelsior Pride
Order your first Excelsior University custom t-shirt! New apparel will be arriving soon.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Alumni Featured Event: Navigating Retirement with a GPS: Growing, Protecting, and Saving Your Fund: SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being
Alumni Featured Event: Navigating Retirement with a GPS: Growing, Protecting, and Saving Your Fund: SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being
Tuesday, Sept. 13 • 6 pm ET
Planning for a secure financial future can be overwhelming. Join this session to gain insight on a variety of topics regarding growing, protecting, and saving funds for retirement. You’ll learn common ways to prepare for retirement, and receive an introduction to the basics of wills, trusts, and Social Security earnings.
Register Now
In Case You Missed It: Alumni Association Annual Meeting
The Excelsior University Alumni Association Annual Meeting was held via Zoom on July 7. In case you missed it, take a moment to watch the meeting to meet elected representatives of the Alumni Leadership Council, hear about happenings at Excelsior as well as updates on new and upcoming alumni programs, and congratulate the recipients of the 2022 alumni awards.
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Career Spotlight: Controller
Have you always liked numbers? Are you excited at the prospect of overseeing a business’s finances? Well, a career as a controller might be for you.
A controller, or financial controller, is responsible for handling a business’ day-to-day financial operations. They take care of the books and records. This is usually a high-level manager position that reports to the CFO of a company. Sometimes, however, the CFO and controller can be the same person in smaller companies and businesses.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of financial managers like controllers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, the 2021 median pay for controllers was $131,710.
Let’s take a closer look at this career to see if it is right for you.
What Does a Controller Do?
Controllers oversee a business’s or organization’s day-to-day finances, including accounting, payroll, and accounts payable. Their daily tasks vary from place to place and industry to industry, but their primary function is to take care of a business’ books in an accurate and efficient way.
Here are some other common tasks of controllers:
In addition, a controller may also oversee other staff in the accounting department.
Qualifications for a Controller
Successful controllers are detail-oriented people with a knack for numbers. They must be strategic thinkers and have a strong sense for business relationships.
In addition, here are some other key skills employers look for:
Requirements to Become a Controller
For those looking to become a controller, you should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business, but preferably an MBA. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Business will help you gain skills in areas including accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, teamwork, and cultural diversity. Excelsior’s MBA with a concentration in finance and accounting can help deepen your knowledge and grow your career so you are ready to become a controller.
While there is no regulatory requirement to obtain a Certified Public Accountant license to become a controller, it is often looked at favorably. You can find out more about the CPA exam via the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants website.
In addition, employers prefer candidates who have 7–10 years of experience in the field of accounting.
Does this sound like the kind of career you’d like to pursue? If so, consider contacting an Excelsior admissions counselor to enroll in a business program.
What Does a Network Administrator Do?
Do your friends or family members constantly come to you to solve their computer problems? Do you have a strong interest in the world of information technology? A career as a network administrator might be right for you.
Network administrators oversee an organization’s computer systems and database networks. They work with other IT staff and employees to ensure computer systems are maintained properly and securely. Since nearly every organization relies on computer networks and the internet to operate, you can find network administrators in various industries, including government, financing, higher education, technical consulting, manufacturing, retail, utilities companies, hospitals, and more.
Network Administrator Job Responsibilities
Network administrators have a range of duties and responsibilities, depending on where they work. Many of their tasks involve network monitoring, network management, and network security. Some typical duties may include:
- Maintaining computer networks, mainframes, VPNs, routers, and other hardware
- Installing network equipment to update or fix hardware and software issues
- Updating virus protection software
- Monitoring network performance
- Communicating networking issues to other employees and management
To be a successful network administrator, it’s important to have a good knowledge of networking and computer systems. There are other qualifications that are important in this career, too, including:
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management skills
- Time management skills
- Critical thinking skills
Network Administrator Qualifications
To become a network administrator, it is important to have the proper training and education. These professionals have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. An online technology degree from Excelsior University can help prepare you for a high-demand role in cybersecurity, electrical engineering technology, information technology, nanotechnology, nuclear engineering technology, power plants and renewable energy, and technology management.
Though not required, some certifications can be helpful if you are beginning your career. The Cisco Certified Network Associate validates your skills in Cisco network solutions, IP addressing, and other network fundamentals. The CompTIA Network+ certification covers all sorts of networking basics and is a smart choice for those just entering the field.
Network Administrator Job Outlook
Network administrators have an important role in an organization to maintain the network and computer systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a network administrator is $80,600 per year. The BLS also projects this field to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, with about 24,900 openings for network and computer systems administrators. Most of these openings are projected to occur from the need to replace workers, such as due to retirement.
If you think network administration sounds like the career for you, consider earning a technology degree with Excelsior University today.
Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst
You just finished dinner at your favorite restaurant. The waitress hands you the receipt and asks you to complete a quick survey. You say “Ok!” and shove the receipt in your purse. Later, you get an email from the restaurant thanking you for dining with them and asking you to take a quick survey. You give in and take the three-minute survey. You assume a computer collects all the information, but who is analyzing the data and making suggestions for a better experience? That is where a market research analyst comes in!
Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying, “If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called research.” A career path as a market research analyst helps to answer questions we didn’t even know were questions or problems. If you are goal-driven and strive to find solutions, this position might be for you!
What is a market research analyst?
A market research analyst studies the market to improve service and find potential buyers of the particular product or service they are researching. Market research analysts find the answers to important questions companies have. They help companies look for what products or services people want, who their audience is, and what price point people are willing to purchase a product or service at. The research can be done in many ways, including surveying current customers or reviewing comparable products and market trends.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), market research analysts jobs are expected to grow 22 percent by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Companies are more aware of the importance of data and market research to ensure successful outcomes, so they are creating new positions and hiring people with strengths in data and research to join their marketing departments. The largest employers of market research analysts are management, scientific, and technical consulting services, finance, insurance, wholesale trade, publishing industries, and education. In 2021, according to BLS, the average salary was reported at $63,920 per year.
What does a market research analyst do?
While their tasks can vary day to day and industry to industry, the goal of a market research analyst is simple: to help companies understand their audience, market their products effectively, and drive sales.
Typically, market research analysts do the following:
Also, if you consider yourself an Microsoft Excel expert or are willing to learn, this job is for you! A big part of a market research analyst’s job is to interpret data for their clients or leadership team. They spend a lot of time making charts, graphs, infographics, and other visual aids to present their findings.
What skills and education does a market research analyst need?
Most market research analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, social sciences, or a related field. Leadership positions in market research tend to require a master’s degree as well, and years of experience. A strong knowledge base of research methods, statistics, and marketing are essential for this position.
Check out the top qualities hiring managers are looking for in a market research analyst:
Hiring managers also look for someone who is detail-oriented, has strong interpersonal skills, and can work well with a team. If this sounds like you, check out the bachelor’s degree in business at Excelsior University to support your market research career path plan!
Career Spotlight: Public Health Officer
What Is the Role of a Public Health Officer?
Are you passionate about working in the public health field? A public health officer ensures regulations are put in place for health care organizations. Most of the time, this work can go unnoticed to the general public, but it is extremely important for the success of our health care system.
Public health officers concentrate on the overall health of communities and organizations, rather than focusing on individual patients. They work with health care institutions, organizations, and other resources to ensure the health care system follows health codes and safety practices. There are both military and civilian roles for public health officers, giving you various fields and specializations to choose from.
Public Health Officer Job Description
Public health officers can work in a variety of settings and, because of that, their job duties can vary. Overall, public health officers educate the public on specific health risks and create programs to encourage healthier lifestyles and decrease the risk of illness, infection, and disease. They can also work on policy regulations at the state and federal levels. Here are a few responsibilities of a public health officer across all fields:
Where Do Public Health Officers Work?
A public health officer is an essential member of the health care field and is needed in a variety of industries. Check out some common sectors in which public health officers work.
Military Bases
Public health officers in the U.S. military system are stationed at military bases around the world.
Common job responsibilities for public health officers at a military post include:
Local, State, and Federal Governments
Local, state, and federal governments hire public health officers to create public health initiatives. Common job responsibilities for public health officers at the local and state government levels include:
Nonprofit Organizations
Most nonprofit organizations hire public health officers to be advocates for the specialization in which they focus on.
Public Health Officer Qualifications and Education Requirements
Depending on where you plan to pursue your career as a public health officer, the qualifications can vary. In most scenarios, a graduate degree in public health, medicine, or a related field is required as well as commissioned officer training if you are planning to enter the military. Successful public health educators are great communicators, have strong analytical skills, and are experts in their field. The average public health officer salary is $60,619 per year, according to salary.com. Take a look at Excelsior College’s graduate certificate program in public health equity. In this program, you will learn how to leverage data to promote health equity and make a difference in any industry you decide to enter.
Career Spotlight: Public Health Educator
What is a public health educator?
Have you seen the signs in the pharmacy that list reasons to get the flu shot? Or the “wash your hands” sign in the school bathroom? If so, chances are a public health educator was involved in producing it. Public health educators work in all areas throughout health care, including in the public and private sectors, government agencies, hospital settings, and more. Their main role is to educate and advocate for their community. Combine your passion for public health, health care, and helping people by becoming a public health educator today.
What does a public health educator do?
Public health educators focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and providing health education to groups of people. Depending on the industry, public health educators may work with large family units, small communities, and other groups of people. They work with these communities to determine their needs, promote healthy initiatives, and provide information on health risk prevention.
Job responsibilities for public health educators vary depending on the organization where they work. The main goal of public health educators is to effect change within their community by promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Check out the general job duties for public health educators that cross all industries:
The first step is always to assess the needs of the community. This can include looking for areas where health is suffering, areas that lack health knowledge, and areas that use poor health practices.. Public health educators also must look at the resources available to the community and ask if certain paths are feasible.
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Once the needs of the community have been identified, it is important that public health educators put together a plan to address any health care-related issues. This plan should include key stakeholders, a budget, a timeline, and the necessary resources. A clear path and goal should be created to ensure the project is feasible.
Public health educators put a health education the plan into action. This responsibility allows them to provide the education the community needs to improve their lifestyles. This can be one of the most rewarding parts of the job, as they are out in the community, making a difference.
It is important to be available to the community . Members of the community should be able to contact public health educators to ask questions, get answers, and inquire about resources they may need.
Public health educators are the expert in their community and members may come to them with questions and concerns. For this reason, it is important to keep up with the latest health trends. Continued research and professional development are necessary for this field.
Where do public health educators work?
Public health educators can work in a variety of settings depending on the community and organization they serve. There are many jobs available at the state, local, and federal government; in hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities, and other family service agencies. Because of the nature of the job, public health educators can spend a lot of time traveling within the community they serve and constantly communicating with members to ensure health care education improvement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030. The emphasis on promoting health behaviors, particularly based on the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, is already increasing the demand for public health educators in the workforce.
How to become a public health educator
Most, if not all public health educator positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in health care, health sciences, public health, or a related field. This will allow you to get your foot in the door with an entry level position. To advance your career, a graduate degree and quality work experience will set you up for success. A certificate in public health equity is a great addition to your education as it focuses on public health issues across the world. This not only will create leadership opportunities for you, but it will also increase your earning potential. The average salary for public health educators is $ $53,466 per year, according to Salary.com.
The general public and the world rely greatly on public health educators. Take your next step toward this career and earn a graduate certificate in public health equity today.
Career Spotlight: Wellness Coordinator
What is a wellness coordinator?
Do you have a passion for fitness and health, and want to turn your passion into a career? If you find yourself stuck in a job that isn’t for you and live a healthy lifestyle, a wellness coordinator role might be for you. Wellness coordinator positions are popping up across all industries. You might see a wellness coordinator on your corporate human resources team, at an after-school program, or maybe even at the gym you go to! The goal of a wellness program stays the same for any industry: it is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Wellness coordinators use their knowledge of fitness, health, and nutrition to promote and provide a healthy lifestyle for the employees or community members of the organization they are employed by.
What does a wellness coordinator do?
Wellness coordinators plan fitness and wellness programs and services. Wellness coordinators can work in a variety of different settings, including corporate offices, fitness centers, hospitals, and more. This means job duties vary depending on the industry.
Job responsibilities for any wellness coordinator role can include:
● Manage recreational fitness facilities to ensure a safe and clean environment.
● Provide group discussions or meetings on certain health topics, including managing your existing conditions, self-care seminars, smoking cessation programs, etc.
● Prepare wellness programs such as first-aid training, blood drives, and informational presentations.
● Supervise staff, including fitness instructors, assistants, and nutritionists.
● Coordinate fitness groups in the workplace such as a lunchtime walking group.
● Promote a healthy lifestyle within the organization’s community.
Wellness coordinators are also responsible for staying up to date with health care, fitness, and nutrition trends. In some jobs, a wellness coordinator may be asked to research and analyze a specific community to identify their needs. Wellness coordinators can also be an advocate for employees to improve health resources and policies within the company.
How to become a wellness coordinator
People who find themselves in wellness coordinator positions come from all different backgrounds. It is, however, important to practice what you preach, meaning living a healthy lifestyle must be a priority for you. Experience promoting a healthy lifestyle is also a bonus; maybe you joined a health club or participated in a nutritional program. These experiences are valuable to the role of a wellness coordinator.
Lastly, continuing your education is always a good idea! Whether you are a career changer or have been working in the health care field for years, a graduate certificate in nutrition would definitely set you up for a successful career as a wellness coordinator.
Career Spotlight: Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analyst Job Description
A public health analyst desires to improve the health and well-being of the community in which they serve. They often work tirelessly behind the scenes to reform and improve different public health areas. If you’ve ever watched the news report on infectious disease, learned about climate change, or listened to doctors, nurses, or public health professionals speak, then you likely were hearing information that a public health analyst prepared.
From the spread of COVID-19 to the impact of polluted water on certain populations, the public health industry faces many challenges on a daily basis. Public health analysts play a key role in facing these challenges. The main goal of a public health analyst is to address and resolve the challenges that their organization works on.
Public Health Analyst Roles and Responsibilities
A public health analyst is a vital member of society because they help to improve critical health programs. While the challenge or health program a public health analyst focuses on varies depending on the organization they work for, the job responsibilities tend to be similar.
Public health analysts:
Public health analysts work with government agencies, health care organizations, and elected officials to improve health policies and programs. Public health initiatives usually depend on what is going on in the world. They can include vaccination programs, policies to encourage community health education, or health programs for a niche group of people. Public health analysts have been essential in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Most commonly, you can find public health analysts working in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and research centers, as well as for the state and federal government.
Public Health Analyst Education and Salary Levels
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public health professionals is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028, which will add around 1.9 million new jobs to the field. In the United States, the average salary for a public health analyst is $67,692 per year. Those in entry-level positions with less than one year of experience can expect to earn about $10,000 to $15,000 less than the average salary. However, experienced public health analysts can expect to earn double the average salary.
Your education and experience will allow you to grow within the public health field, which in turn, will increase your chances of earning a higher salary. A bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for a career as a public health analyst. Depending on the career and job you are looking for, some employers may require a graduate degree. Employers also look for candidates with relevant work experience that can translate into their new position.
These are some of the top skills employers look for in a great candidate:
How to Become a Public Health Analyst
If you are interested in becoming a public health analyst, the online Certificate in Public Health Equity at Excelsior University will prepare you for a successful career. This is a 15-credit certificate program that can take less than one year to complete. This degree will give you the skills you need to make data-driven decisions, provide public health education, and improve the overall health of the general public. Get started today!
Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse
Caring for the sick and injured and taking care of infants and children sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it? Well, if you enjoy nursing and working with children, a career as a pediatric nurse might be perfect for you.
Pediatric nurses are registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in working with children from infancy through adolescence. They provide direct patient care, specialized support for patients, administer immunizations, treat illnesses, and also serve as a source of support for parents. Because they work with infants, tweens, and teens, they constantly need to adjust health care plans to meet each child’s needs.
Pediatric nurses have a range of duties. Keep reading to learn about many of them.
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
Although the specific duties of pediatric nurses vary, one thing is the same: working with children. Depending on the work setting, some responsibilities of a pediatric nurse may include:
In addition, it’s important for pediatric nurses to understand how to interact with children. It is necessary for them to help children feel safe because hospital settings can sometimes feel confusing and scary. In addition, sometimes children often have a hard time communicating what is wrong with them, so pediatric nurses must learn how to talk to children, ask the right questions, and ease their fears. Many pediatric nurses earn the trust of young children by telling stories, playing games, telling jokes, and even holding hands.
Where Does a Pediatric Nurse Work?
A benefit of becoming a pediatric nurse is that there are a variety of employment settings to choose from. According to the Institute of Pediatric Nursing, these are some workplaces where you can find pediatric nurses:
Other settings include home care, urgent care, and rehabilitation centers.
Types of Pediatric Nurses and Pediatric Nurse Specialties
You may think that pediatric nursing only means one thing. In reality, there are many opportunities for specialized work. Here are some specialties in pediatric nursing:
Steps to Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
If becoming a pediatric nurse seems like something you’d like to pursue, there are a few steps you need to take before you become one. First, you must become a registered nurse, which you can do after earning your associate degree through Excelsior University; gain experience as a registered nurse; obtain further experience by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and pass the National Certification Examination for Certified Pediatric Nurse. There are three credentialing centers from which you can earn your certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Nurses Credentialing Center, or National Certification Corporation.
There are certain skills that are necessary if you want to become a pediatric nurse. In addition to gaining the medical knowledge, a pediatric nurse must be kind, sensitive, have a sense of humor, and be able to engage with children on their level.
According to Salary.com, the average pediatric nurse salary in the United States is $75,000.
If becoming a pediatric nurse sounds right for you, consider pursuing an education in nursing today.
